Derry Hood Park Outreach & Engagement Report December 2020 Written by Casey Porter, Community and Economic Development Program Manager and Stephen Meno, Community and Economic Development Field Specialist

The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S.Dept. of Agriculture and New Hampshire counties cooperating.

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3

Project Background ............................................................................................................................ 3

History of Hood Park ........................................................................................................................... 3

Hood Park Steering Committee ........................................................................................................... 4

Outreach and Engagement ......................................................................................................................... 5

Community Engagement Methods ...................................................................................................... 5

Outreach Efforts ................................................................................................................................. 6

Engagement During COVID-19 ............................................................................................................ 6

Data Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Key Findings .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Data ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

Key Informant Interviews ............................................................................................................................ 10

Surveys .......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Posters .......................................................................................................................................................... 30

Postcards ...................................................................................................................................................... 31

Direct Correspondence ................................................................................................................................ 34

Next Steps ................................................................................................................................................... 37

Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................... 38

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Introduction

Project Background

Over the past two years, revitalizing Hood Park has been repeatedly listed as a priority project for the Town of Derry. In the summer of 2019, Derry participated in the UNH Cooperative Extension First Impressions program. Through this program, the Town of Derry partnered with the Town of Moultonborough to learn more about their downtown’s existing assets and opportunities for improvement as seen through the eyes of visitors from Moultonborough. A major finding of the report was improving the connection between Hood Park and the downtown core. In July 2019, improving Hood Park was identified as a priority by the Derry Town Council. The 2020 Derry Master Plan update also emphasized revitalizing Hood Park as goal for the town. In addition, Hood Park was identified as an asset in the Recreation Master Plan completed in 2020 by UNH Department of Recreation Management. Several other groups in town have also been in favor of enhancing the park.

In the summer of 2020, the Town of Derry began the process of engaging the community to determine the future of Hood Park. The goal is to create a community vision for Hood Park by reaching out and engaging with the Derry community. By understanding the desires, needs, and hopes for the park, the town strives to embark on a process of making Hood Park a vibrant recreation area for all ages. This report details the community engagement process the Town of Derry implemented in partnership with UNH Cooperative Extension, findings, and next steps.

History of Hood Park

Named after the prominent family and dairy company, Hood Park has been a fixture of the Derry community for decades. The park is located on Rollins Street and is traversed by a portion of the Derry Rail Trail. It boasts amenities such as 2 basketball courts, a street hockey court, shuffle board court, playground, picnic area, and walking trails. Once a popular place for families to gather, the park has lost some of its vibrancy and has seen declining attendance over the past ten years. The town has brought in food trucks twice a year and installed surveillance cameras in 2017 to deter criminal activity in the vicinity. Hood Park is located alongside Hood Pond with a boat house for waterfront storage. Hood Pond is an artificial pond that is approximately five acres in size with depths that range from three to six feet. Historically, the pond was a popular swimming hole, with lessons provided by the town’s recreation department. However, since 2015, the pond has been unsuitable for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels (believed to be predominantly caused by geese droppings and associated nutrient loadings). Another contributing factor to the town beach’s closure was the lack of certified water instructors and lifeguards to staff the pond. Fishing is still allowed today. Preliminary research into dredging the pond has been done, but it would be a costly endeavor that may not decrease the bacteria levels. A recent investment in the park’s area was the approval of a bond that included $250,000 to improve the Hood Pond Dam. The dam impounds the southern end of Hood Pond and separates it from the smaller Horne’s Pond. Both of these ponds are fed by Shields Brook. Were the dam to be removed, the pond would return to a stream-like state. The town has also improved the section of the Rail Trail that runs through the park by filling an approximately 200-foot long section of the dam, installing erosion control measures on the upstream and downstream slopes, and constructing an approximately 2,000 lineal foot paved path (rail trail) along the dam crest and extending north of the dam. These improvements should certify the dam as fully operational with no deficiencies.

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Hood Park Steering Committee The Hood Park Steering Committee was formed on July 9, 2020. All interested community members were invited to join the committee and meetings were open to the public. The purpose of the Hood Park Steering Committee is to gather input from the community to learn about their preferences and ideas about the future of Hood Park. From August through December, the Steering Committee met bi-weekly to learn about community engagement tools, develop an outreach and engagement plan, and gather community input regarding Hood Park. Following data collection and analysis, members of the Hood Park Steering Committee will present findings and recommendations to the Derry Town Council.

Steering Committee Members:

Edith McGillen – Derry Resident Rick Metts – Derry Village Rotary Club LeAnn Mitchell – Waterview Estates Karen Munday Lincoln – Public Arts Brian Murray – Waterview Estates Owen Provencher – Derry CAM Doug Rathburn – Derry Information Technology Elizabeth Robidoux – Derry Economic Development/Planning Richard Scheib – Waterview Estates George Sioras – Derry Planning Eric Stern – Derry Public Library Richard Tripp – Derry Town Council Kim Walsh – Derry Parks and Recreation

Mark Brassard – Chair Jay Tombari – Co-Chair Barbara Bailey – Waterview Estates Michael Bailey – Waterview Estates Dave Caron – Derry Town Administrator Mark Connors – Derry Rail Trail Alliance Melanie Davis – The Grind Café Beverly Donovan – Derry Economic Development Charlie Foote – Derry Town Council Mike Fowler – Derry Department of Public Works Kristie Kyzer – Derry Softball Coach Paul Lindemann – Derry Heritage Commission Marietta Majtenyi – Waterview Estates

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Outreach & Engagement

Community Engagement Methods

Community outreach and community engagement are two distinct concepts. Community outreach is one way communication to the community to share information or promote an opportunity to participate. Community engagement is the process of gathering input from the community to influence decision-making. UNH Extension provided training around a number of community engagement tools and assisted the members of the Hood Park Steering Committee in developing an outreach and engagement plan to reach members of the Derry community. In order to reach as many people as possible, the committee used four different tools to gather input between October 6 and December 11, 2020.

Posters Committee members placed posters around the community to quickly and easily gather input from people passing by. Questions on the posters included: “What would you like to see at Hood Park?” and “What is your favorite memory of Hood Park?”. Posters were located at Cask and Vine, Marion Gerrish Community Center, Derry Public Library, Taylor Library, Town Hall, and at Election Day. Due to the pandemic, there was very limited foot traffic at these locations and consequently, there were comments only on the posters located at Cask and Vine and Derry Public Library. In total, there were 19 comments on the posters.

Postcards A creative way the committee decided to collect input was through the use of postcards with the outline of Hood Park. Community members were invited to write or draw their suggestions for improving Hood Park on the postcard and return to the Town of Derry. Postcards were available for download on the website and were provided at a table during Election Day. Postcards were also available at Kelsen Brewing, Rockingham Brewery, at the mural outside Cask and Vine, during a youth focus group and distributed by members of the steering committee. There were 17 postcards returned to the town.

Survey A brief survey was developed to capture information about how community members currently use the park, what they like and dislike about the park and what they would like to see in the park in the future. See Appendix for survey questions. The survey was available on the Derry Hood Park website and printed copies were made available as well. Printed surveys were distributed to the St. Thomas Congregation, Nutfield Heights, Derry Fire Department and were available at Kelsen Brewing and Rockingham Brewery. There were 99 surveys completed.

Key Informant Interviews Interviews are an important tool to help learn detailed information about a particular issue from a set of key informants. Questions were very similar to the survey questions and included learning about how community members currently use the park, what they like and dislike about the park and what they would like to see in the park in the future. See Appendix for key informant interview questions. The Steering Committee worked to develop a list of interviewees representing a variety of groups and perspectives, including, current park users, residents of Waterview Estates, business owners, youth, Derry Arts Council, Derry Heritage Commission, Derry Rail Trail Alliance and seniors. Steering Committee members completed 34 key informant interviews.

Interviewees included (but were not limited to): Bradley Benson, Joshua Bourdon, Mary Boyle, Norma Bursaw, Bob Cronin, Andy Daily, Chief Edward Garone, Mike Gendron, Elizabeth Greenberg, Brenda Guggiesberg, Julie Jones, Theresa Lenny, Peggy MacLeod, Marietta Majtenyi, Richard Metts, LeAnn Mitchell, Brian Murray, Wayne Nelson, Timothy Peloquin, Dr. Deborah Roof, Richard and Kathleen Scheib, Walter P. Sheahan, Eric Stern. (Some interviewees did not give permission to publish their name in this report.)

Youth Leaders Focus Group In order to gather input from youth in Derry, steering committee member Karen Munday Lincoln held a focus group with youth leaders in partnership with the Londonderry YMCA. Youth were asked the same questions as the key informant interviewees. 16 youth participated in this focus group.

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Outreach Efforts

There was a great deal of outreach and marketing to share the various opportunities for community members to provide their ideas and input about Hood Park.

Hood Park Website: The Town of Derry created a website to provide background about the project and history of Hood Park. The postcards and survey are also available on the website. Visit the website here: https://hoodpark-derrynh.hub.arcgis.com/

Newspaper articles: The Town of Derry sent a press release about the project to five newspapers: the Derry News, Eagle Tribune, Nutfield News, the Union Leader and the Windham Independent. Stories about the project were published in the Eagle Tribune and the Derry News.

Facebook: “The Town of Derry Economic Development Facebook page”, “Destination Derry, NH Facebook page”, “Town of Derry, NH Facebook page” and “Derry Community Access Facebook page” shared posts promoting the project as well as the survey and postcards.

Promotional Video: Derry Community Access Media created a promotional video to promote and share information about the project as well as ways for the community to provide input.

Election Day: On November 3, 2020, a table with information was set up during the election to provide information to voters about the project as well as gather input with a poster and printed postcards.

Flyers: Flyers promoting the project and sharing ways to participate were placed in numerous locations around town, including Hood Park, the Rail Trail Kiosk, Hannaford, and Shaw’s.

Mural: During the painting of the mural expansion at Cask and Vine, a steering committee member had a variety of materials available about the project and spoke to a number of people about Hood Park and ways they could share their ideas.

Conducting Outreach and Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic

While the steering committee provided a number of ways for the community to provide their input for the future of Hood Park, there were some challenges given the ongoing pandemic and rising cases of COVID-19 in the community. The steering committee prioritized publicizing the online survey and conducting phone/virtual interviews. Other methods of engagement such as the in-person posters and postcards received fewer responses than expected due to the lack of in-person events taking place and fewer people visiting the municipal center, library, restaurants or senior centers.

Data Analysis

Once all of the data were collected (key informant interviews, surveys, postcards, posters, direct correspondence), staff at UNH Extension used qualitative data analysis to organize the comments by theme. For each data type, comments for each question were reviewed together and then grouped by theme. For example, all survey responses for question one were analyzed together. Then, we selected a few comments which exemplified the points being made for each theme. For this reason each of the comments provided by community members are not included as submitted in the following report. Following the analysis of each data type, we conducted a cross-analysis of all methods to determine the key findings, which we have organized by how people use Hood Park, what people like about Hood Park, what people do not like about Hood Park, and ideas for the future. We also tallied all of the ideas for the future by the frequency of comments for each idea, presented in the key findings section.

Taken by Jay Tombari

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Key Findings

Hood Park is most often used by visitors walking, riding bikes and using the rail trail. People are visiting the park for a variety of purposes, including having a picnic, enjoying nature and the scenic view,

bringing children to the playground, and activities like basketball, fishing, hockey and tennis. It is evident that Hood Park and Hood Pond are loved by the community. Many shared fond memories and

reminisced about growing up and visiting the park to swim or partake in activities, and others shared stories of bringing their children down to the beach for swimming lessons. Some people no longer visit Hood Park due to the lack of swimming and recreation programs.

Experience at Hood Park

What people like about Hood Park

What people dislike about Hood Park

People are disappointed that Hood Pond is closed for swimming and that the Pond’s water quality has declined due to geese droppings and other factors.

Hood Park has developed an overall negative reputation as being unsafe or a place to do unpleasant activities. This attitude was primarily expressed by people who never visit the park, but those who do cited issues with illicit behavior and poor lighting at night

Since many felt the park is not as vibrant as it once was, there is a perception that the park’s appearance and maintenance has declined over time, including landscaping, litter and overall look.

People wish to see more or improved recreational amenities such as more walking trails, playgrounds that cater to younger children, and improved courts.

Hood Pond is valued as an asset of Hood Park. While people have enjoyed Hood Pond in the past for swimming, it remains an important fixture for its beauty and scenic view.

Lots of community members remarked on the convenient, central location of Hood Park in walking distance to downtown and many neighborhoods.

People like the natural look and feel of the park. It is a place to visit to enjoy the pond, wildlife, woods, relax and appreciate the peaceful and serene setting.

There is something for everyone at Hood Park. Hood Park is visited and enjoyed by youth, families and seniors. The park offers a variety of activities: basketball, hockey, fishing, tennis, walking, riding bikes, enjoying nature, picnicking, playing on the playground and simply enjoying the view.

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Around 50 different ideas and concepts were suggested by Derry community members. The following table lists all the proposals suggested across all methods of engagement with the number of times it was mentioned by respondents.

Ideas for Hood Park’s Future

Idea # of

Comments Idea

# of Comments

Improve Hood Pond Water Quality 45 Pickleball Courts 5

Improve or Add More Walking Trails 35 Emphasize History 5

Create Additional Seating 26 Adventure Park 5

Have More Programs and Events 22 Fill in Pond to Make Stream 5

Better Landscaping and Maintenance 19 Pet Amenities 4

Have Food Available for Purchase 19 Parking Improvements 4

Create a Community Gathering Space (e.g. Nature Center, Community Center or Teen Center)

19 Bridge 4

Gardens 18 Sports Field 4

Improve Playground 15 Make it a Welcoming Park for All (families, youth, singles, adults)

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Create Options to Rent Boating Equipment (e.g. Kayak, Paddleboard)

15 Further Community Engagement (especially with youth)

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Improve Existing Recreation Facilities (e.g. Basketball Courts, Hockey Rink)

14 Chess/Checker Boards 3

Incorporate More Art 12 Volleyball Court 3

Build a Skate park 12 Fundraising 3

Create a Performance Space 12 Connectivity to Downtown 2

Develop Winter Recreation Activities such as Ice Skating

11 Improve Bike Path 2

Create Retail Space 11 Kickboxing 2

Create Amenities for Fishing, such as a Dock 10 Bicycle Pump Track 2

Beach Improvements 8 Gaming Facility 2

Bathrooms 8 Change Surrounding Uses 1

Improved Signage 8 Bike Rentals 1

Increased Security 7 Bike Racks 1

More Lighting 6 More Waste Containers 1

Pavilion/Gazebo 6 Bocce Ball Court 1

Splash Pad 5 Tennis Court 1

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Around 50 different ideas and concepts were suggested by Derry community members. The following represent the 17 proposals that at least ten separate people suggested across all methods of engagement with the number of times it was mentioned by respondents.

Top Ideas for Hood Park’s Future

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Key Informant Interviews

What is your experience like at Hood Park? Interviewees were asked to share how often they visited the park and what their experience was like. Respondents gave a wide range of impressions, the majority of which were positive. The themes below are organized based on how often people said to have visited the park from most frequent to least frequent visitors.

Frequent Visitors who Enjoy Trails for Walking and Biking Many of the frequent visitors to the park cited walking the trails either with friends or pets as reasons why they have enjoyable experiences. Comments include:

Walks dog there every day; it’s a good place to walk a dog. I walk and ride my bike to the park almost daily. I love to

walk the trails and watch the birds and animal life around and on the pond. I also appreciate a porta potty was made available this year.

I walk around the park for exercise almost daily. It’s not overcrowded, and I feel safe. The best part of the park is the pond.

It’s a peaceful place to get away and walk. I happen to live close by and with the rail trail, I can walk

or ride my bike. I like the trails.

Frequent Visitors who Mentioned Activities at the Park Several of the frequent visitors to park mentioned the groups of people or various activities as contributing to their positive experience. While there were conflicting views on the park’s cleanliness, many cited the park’s great potential. Comments included:

Loves it there. Has used park for playground, watching wildlife, walking, fishing and kayaking.

It’s a lovely little park. I love seeing young people using the courts.

Even though, I personally do not use the basketball courts or hockey rink, I enjoy seeing groups of young people playing together.

Comes to play basketball or to just sit near the bench. Kids didn’t swim there but did summer events. It’s a little seedy - water and beach seemed dirty. A lot of potential. The park is clean, in reasonable repair. Not much to do and lacks the appeal to bring in more people of a greater

age range.

Frequent Visitors who Value Family-Friendly Environment Of the most frequent visitors to the park, many mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere as the primary reason to go to the Park. Comments include:

Walking and taking grandchild to playground and to look at pond; Loves it there. Visits weekly with grandchildren; visit the park to play, enjoy wildlife and the water. We enjoy watching families spending time together, having picnics, children at playground, kids playing basketball

and hockey. Secondly, watching parents fishing with their kids and enjoying family time together. Visits have always been fun for kids, family.

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Occasional Visitors Occasional visitors to the park cited activities like the Rail Trail or fishing as the reasons they go there a few times a year. Comments include:

Visits Hood Park but does not recreate there. Does not find time for recreational sports that are available there. Children did take swimming lessons there.

Visits about twice a year to ride bike from Salem to Hood park with family. I visit Hood Park, mainly to go fishing. I visit about four or five times a year. I generally have good experiences at

the park.

Former Visitors Several of the people who currently do not visit the park, discussed positive past experiences of visiting as children or bringing their children there when they were younger. Comments and memories included:

I spent a lot of time here. The Red Cross used to have swimming lessons, there were summer camps and a club house. There were water activities, sports, and games. The tennis court was there; the ball courts were added later. Very fond memories of swimming at Hood Park or Maloof’s Pond (located near Ryan’s Hill).

Has not used the park since being a kid but back then, used it all the time. They had street hockey, swimming and life safety lessons, basketball, etc. His friends were always there and they totally enjoyed it.

Does not visit the park currently as children have grown. Children have used it in the past. Provided activities were great and children enjoyed taking part in them. Currently a gathering place for those who could get into trouble.

Does not personally visit the park (does not have kids that age) knows it is a popular place for young adults. Will more likely visit when Rail Trail Improvements are completed. Feels it is not truly a “park” in the true sense of

the word, unlike places like Massabesic Park.

Never Visit Of those who said they never visit the park, many mentioned they still drive by it, and had a negative impression of it. Comments included:

Have not visited, but drive by often. Don’t have time to visit, except for clean-up day. Barely knew the park was there. Of the impression from the few times driving by that hoodlums hung out there.

Knows the location but seen groups of kids there and was not sure what they were doing. Has no reason to go to the park.

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What do you like about Hood Park?

Interviewees were asked to share what they liked about Hood Park. Each respondent had at least one aspect of the park they considered positive. The themes below are in order of significance based on the number of interviewees that discussed the topic.

Central Location Almost half of the interviewees discussed Hood Park’s proximity to downtown. Hood Pond’s location near businesses, neighborhoods is considered an asset for being accessible, and providing recreation while attracting people to downtown. Comments included:

The park is near the downtown, is walkable and in a good location. It’s in the center of town- anyone can walk there and there is ample parking. The location within the town, nestled right in downtown Derry, not far from Broadway and Crystal Ave is unique. The park is busy, which attracts people downtown. This is great resource for recreation and more, right downtown.

Natural Look and Feel Many interviewees mentioned the natural aspects of the park, such as the views, pond and trails as appealing. Comments about what they liked included:

Hood Pond is so lovely. It’s right on the rail trail. It’s great for bird watching. The natural beauty of the wood parts of the park, the trails and the beauty of the pond. I am very happy about the

current project to extend the Derry Rail Trail over the dam. Watching the wildlife in and around the pond (beavers, fish, herons, etc.) Very pretty destination. Like the water. The pond is the BEST feature.

A Place for a Variety of People and Ages Many interviewees appreciated that the park was a place for families to gather, youth to recreate at, and for seniors to visit. Comments included:

I like the diversity I see there. There are young people, middle aged and seniors participating there and there is a good balance of services. The park seems to serve the needs of the community.

It serves as a hub bringing our diverse community together.

A lot of younger folks without driver's licenses can walk to the park from the surrounding neighborhoods. It's also nice to see families fishing together.

Many family memories here. Young people are the prime users of the park.

Peaceful Atmosphere A recurring theme was the park’s description as peaceful, quiet and safe. Comments included:

It’s a beautiful, natural, peaceful space. It is quiet and beautiful. It feels safe. Generally quiet and peaceful.

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Interviewees were asked to share what they disliked about Hood Park. Some respondents did not have any negative comments to share about Hood Park. The themes below are in order of significance based on the number of interviewees that discussed the topic.

Hood Pond Water Quality Issues Many interviewees discussed the water quality issues at Hood Pond. Hood Pond is considered an asset of the park, but poor water quality limits recreational opportunities like swimming. Comments included:

Don’t like the fact that the park can’t be used for water activities. No swimming available. The pond has been neglected. Worried about the future of the pond and decreased water quality.

Reputation Some interviewees shared that Hood Park lacks a good reputation. However, the majority of people who spoke negatively about the reputation of Hood Park do not regularly visit the park. This is likely connected to another issue brought up by some interviewees who described that there are a lack of spaces for youth to gather in Derry. Comments included:

Not always the best possible place for teens to gather. Concerned about letting middle school children be there unattended. Troublemakers hang out at the park. Youth in Derry feel like there is no place for them. Youth who currently use the basketball courts feel like adults at

the park see them as a threat and that makes them unhappy.

What do you not like about Hood Park?

Variety of Amenities Some interviewees list the various recreation amenities as what they liked about the park. Comments included:

Like the Rail Trail. Open, convenient, good playground and courts. Great facilities for sports activities. I like to see the basketball court heavily used. There is always a big group and you can tell people are enjoying

themselves. It's a great spot for first time anglers; very forgiving. Unique park with water, athletic facilities. Appeals to a broad spectrum for water activities, playground, passive

relaxation and recreation. I also enjoy the hockey.

Vibrancy A few interviewees mentioned the park’s activity level as a benefit to get people outdoors. Comments included:

Other than the water quality issue, there is good activity. The Town has tried to get organized activities there.

There are good activities for the underserved kids (young -late teens). The park gives them an opportunity outside of the Boys/Girls Club or recreational programs to get out their energy.

Athletic activities are the best things happening now at the park.

Likes the outdoors and outdoor activities. Likes to see people outside and doing things. It puts people in a good mood.

Maintenance There were a few comments commending the Town’s upkeep of the park and its cleanliness. Comments included:

The Town does a good job of maintaining what is there. Well taken care of. Well maintained, little trash, graffiti.

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Presentation A number of interviewees discussed the presentation as an opportunity for Hood Park, including landscaping, cleanliness, dated facilities and the need for revitalization. Comments included:

Landscaping could be improved to make it more attractive. Could be cleaner. Not attractive at first glance.

Infrastructure and Equipment There were also comments about the desire to improve the infrastructure and equipment at the park, for example, lengthening walking trails, increasing seating options and improving the playground. Comments included:

More trails, nature trails. Not much seating for passive activities. Playground could be improved. Some fishing spots can be challenging for people with mobility challenges to reach.

Lack of Recreation Activities Some interviewees described the declining recreation activities at Hood Park. Interviewees desire classes and activities. Comments included:

Wish there was an ability to have staff at Hood Park, but understand the challenges. Decrease in recreational opportunities. Lack of boating classes, swimming lessons, adult classes and activities. There always seems to be a challenge getting lifeguards and swim teachers.

Underutilized Hood Park was described as underutilized by some interviewees. Comments included:

Miss the sound of children playing there. Underutilized as a whole. Not being used for what it was made for.

Signage There were comments from interviewees about confusing signage, both in terms of wayfinding signs as well as informational signs. Comments included:

Confusing and conflicting signage. One sign says no pets allowed and another says please pick up after your pet. No clearly marked indication for rail trail/bike route. Bike routes are confusing for those unfamiliar.

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What opportunities do you see to improve Hood Park? In a reimagined Hood Park, what specific elements would you like to see?

Interviewees suggested many ideas for improving Hood Park, including improving the water quality of Hood Pond, increasing programs, events and activities, and new infrastructure like additional walking trails, lighting, seating and a pavilion. Many interviewees also stressed that they would like to see Hood Park as welcoming to all. The following themes are listed in order of significance based on the number of interviewees who discussed the topic.

Improve Hood Pond Water Quality Many interviewees suggested addressing Hood Pond’s water quality issues, maintaining the pond and improving the conditions to be swimmable again. Comments included:

Dredge the pond. Bring back the water activities such as swimming, canoe/kayaking.

Ability to swim there again. Keep the pond a body of water, it is beautiful the way it is. The pond can be an asset if cleaned, if not, it’s a waste of

usable park space. Programs, Events and Activities There was a strong desire from interviewees to increase the educational and recreational programs and activities offered by staff for children, young adults, adults and elderly alike. However, some acknowledged that there are challenges with cost. Comments included:

Recreational programs: paddleboarding, ice-fishing, bird-watching, fishing lessons, swimming lessons, ice skating. Activities: free movie nights, theatre & musical productions, food trucks on high use weekends, summer concerts. Classes for children and families: nature/wildlife, town history, CPR. Planned recreational activities to bring people together. Have staff on daily basis to run activities and snack shack. Resource center/multipurpose space for intergenerational activities to support a diversity of people.

Structures & Equipment There were many comments regarding ideas for new and improved structures at Hood Park, ranging from seating, tables, game areas, courts and a pavilion. Comments included:

Hood Park could be the best of both worlds with passive and active recreation in one area. A balance between recreational and athletic opportunities and cultural/historical and natural/environmental

education. Provide permanent table game area (chess, checkers, etc.) scattered around the park. More picnic tables and seating. Pavilion for people to rent out for group, family events, festivals and food truck events. This will draw families and

increase the use of the park. Volleyball court, skate park, art resource center, gaming facility. Improve and maintain the athletic facilities that are provided. Newer, bigger playground apparatus. Museum/arboretum. Concession stand open.

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Welcoming Park for all A common theme from interviewees was the desire for Hood Park to be a safe, welcoming space for all members of the community.

A family park: read a book, exercise and get fresh air, quick break spot. Police should deploy community policing measures with the kids at the park. Develop activities and structures that are inviting to kids, families and singles to use the park. Park seen as more welcoming to all.

Year- Round Recreation Interviewees are interested in opportunities for people to use the park throughout the seasons, specifically in the winter. Comments included:

The addition of ice sports would be nice if they are not already available. Having an ice rink that is on the ground would be safer than on a body of water.

Maybe ice-skating – seasonal activities.

Walking Trails Some interviewees expressed a desire to expand walking trails at Hood Park. Comments included:

More walking trails. Pathways around perimeter of the pond

and the park area.

Improve Signage Signage was another topic discussed by interviewees. Comments included:

Fix misleading/confusing signs. Improve signs.

Community Involvement and Engagement Some interviewees discussed the need to engage the community, especially youth, to revitalize Hood Park. Comments included:

Get community buy-in to facilitate what needs to be done. Kids in Derry need to be involved (perhaps a kid’s steering committee? Youth action committee?) in what happens

at Hood Park and beyond. They are all excited for something that they have agency in that can provide opportunities for recreation at the park.

History There is some interest in honoring the history of Hood Park with displays and placards. Comments included:

Placards should be placed on the remaining structures identifying the historical significance. For example, the Hood Ice House foundation. Perhaps a walk through educational tour could be established – that would be fascinating.

As a local history buff, I think the revitalized Park should include some form of displays and other means to convert the literal history of the pond and land, the importance of the Hood Family to Derry’s development, and a description of that development over time, e.g., harvesting the ice from the pond and Hood Dairy buildings running all the way up to the train depot, plus the shoe factories and several other local industries that current residents have little knowledge of.

Access to certain areas improved while trying to maintain the rustic character of the park. Perhaps some information on this history of the park and the wildlife that inhabits it year-round would be helpful.

Fundraising and Partnerships Some interviewees proposed ideas for fundraising and partnerships to improve Hood Park. Comments included:

Fundraise by selling bricks, benches as other entities have done. Tapping into the resources of the Hood Company and see if they would sponsor an educational tour. Londonderry YMCA is a potential partner for site investment, building renovation.

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Beautification There were some comments about the need to beautify Hood Park to make the space more attractive. Comments included:

Upgrading the landscaping. Investment in open space, painting, cleaning and keeping the area well maintained is important. Repair and expand pavement.

Lighting Lighting was mentioned by some interviewees as an important component of the park for ensuring safety. Comments included:

Lighting is always important and can be a big issue. The better lit an area is, the more comfortable are the people utilizing it.

Not sure about the lighting at Hood Park which helps to keep trouble away.

Parking Interviewees raised parking as a potential challenge with the extension of the rail trail. Comments included:

The challenge is parking – how do you control that and make sure there is parking available at access points to the open space?

Parking seems to be adequate for the need right now, but if people are parking to use the rail trail, it may become inadequate.

Bathrooms Some interviewees suggested the need for restrooms, and the possibility of opening the restrooms. Comments included:

Bathroom opened. Restrooms.

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Surveys

About the Survey Respondents

There were 99 responses to the Hood Park survey. The survey was available on the Hood Park HUB website and paper copies around town. Responses were collected between October 6, 2020 and December 11, 2020.

Survey respondents represent varied ages. There was also a good mix of respondents who report living in Derry, adjacent to Hood Park and not living in Derry. In addition, survey respondents represent people who have never visited the park, visit rarely, occasionally and frequently.

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Why do you visit Hood Park? Survey respondents shared many different reasons for visiting Hood Park, ranging from active recreation like taking a walk or playing basketball to enjoying a picnic or visiting to experience nature. Most respondents listed more than one reason for visiting Hood Park. Out of the 99 survey respondents, 17 people did not respond to this particular survey question, and five responded that they had never visited Hood Park before. The following survey responses are organized by theme and listed in order of the number of responses received under the theme.

Walk/Bike Rail Trail The top reported activity by survey respondents is visiting Hood Park to walk, ride a bike and use the rail trail. Comments included:

It’s in town and good for taking a walk. To pass through on the rail trail. Walk my dog. Meet friends for rail trail walks. Bike trails nearby.

Playground Many survey respondents reported using the playground at Hood Park. Comments included:

Take child to playground. We’ve also enjoyed the playground. Take my grandchild there to play in swing area.

Past Use Lots of respondents described visiting Hood Park in the past, particularly to swim in Hood Pond. Comments included:

When lifeguards were available we swam and took swimming lessons. I grew up in Derry and used to fish there, as an adult my kids went for swimming lessons. Used to bring my kids there. Swimming, playground.

Picnic/Eat Lunch Some survey respondents mentioned visiting Hood Pond to enjoy a picnic or during a lunch break. Comments included:

We will picnic there. To have lunch and read by the water (I work in Derry, not live here). Love being able to have picnic lunches with the tables around.

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Playing Basketball Another popular response was visiting Hood Park to play basketball. Comments included:

Kid playing basketball. Our son has been there to play hoops and hang out with friends. To shoot some hoops.

Hood Pond Hood Pond is a draw to visitors coming to Hood Park. Comments included:

Just sit by the pond. Sit and look at water, can be peaceful. The pond.

Enjoy the Beauty and Tranquility Hood Park is also valued by survey respondents for being a beautiful place to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Comments included:

Sit on the swing bench and admire the tranquility. For the quiet natural setting it provides. Peace and solitude. Scenic views and freedom.

Fishing Another activity reported by survey respondents is fishing. Comments included:

I like to ice fish shore fish. I like fishing at the pond.

Place for kids and family Hood Park is also regarded as a place for kids and family to gather and play. Comments included:

To allow my kids to play. Bring my grand children. Activities with family.

Wildlife Some survey respondents commented on the wildlife at Hood Park as a reason for visiting. Comments included:

To observe the wildlife. Bird watch. Viewing the native animals that visit the area.

Hockey Rink Others mentioned visiting the hockey rink at Hood Park. Comments included:

Hockey rink. Mostly for the street hockey rink.

Tennis Another activity reported by survey respondents is tennis. Comments included:

Tennis. Also play tennis at the court across the street.

Gathering Place Hood Park is also reported as being used as a gathering place for people. Comments included:

I like the people there. For my sons to visit with friends.

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There were a variety of responses about what people liked about Hood Park, ranging from its accessible location to downtown, Hood Pond, recreation opportunities and beautiful, peaceful environment. Many respondents shared two or more things that they liked about Hood Park. Out of the 99 survey respondents, 22 did not respond to this question.

Hood Pond Many respondents value Hood Park, as a place to go for a swim in the past, as well as its natural beauty. Comments included:

The pond and the ability in the past to go for a swim. I love the pond and its serenity. Adjacent to water, nice views. View of the water.

Accessible Location Several survey respondents described Hood Park as being an easily accessible location and a gem for downtown Derry. Some respondents live locally and enjoy being able to walk to the park. Comments included:

It's an oasis in a busy area - quick to get to from work. Convenience. Live locally at Brook View Condos on Elm St. Wildlife. Close to home and downtown. Right on rail

trail. Easy access, convenient parking. It's local and in the center of town.

Recreation Infrastructure & Equipment Many respondents also appreciate the infrastructure available for recreation, including the tennis courts, basketball courts and hockey rink. Comments included:

The ability for pick-up basketball games. All the sports courts. The basketball courts and the hockey rink. I love the tennis courts.

Scenery, Peaceful Environment Hood Park was described by survey respondents as a serene, beautiful location to visit. Comments included:

We like the woodsy feel of it. Quiet and peaceful. Nice place for some rest and relaxation. Natural aspects, scenery.

Trails Another attribute of Hood Park that is enjoyed by survey respondents is the proximity to the rail trail and the ability to walk and ride bikes. Comments included:

The trails that surround the area are aesthetically pleasing, and have utility.

They are finally connecting the rail trail. We like that there is some walking trail area.

People Utilize Park Some survey respondents shared that they like that people are visiting and enjoying Hood Park. Comments included:

Watching people/families enjoy the park (fishing, sports, picnics). Love to see young adults playing ball, converging, and exercising. It’s a place for kids to get together play hoops and fish.

What do you like about Hood Park?

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Variety of Things to do Hood Park boasts a variety of things for people to do, from enjoying the outdoors to active recreation like riding a bike, fishing, or playing a sport. Comments included:

It's a place for people to enjoy outdoors - recreate and play and visit, bike ride, or just sit and take in nature. There are so many possibilities for young and old.

It really has something for everyone. It has a decent amount of things to do such as fishing, play ball, playground and walking on the trail.

Playground Survey respondents also enjoy the playground at Hood Park. Comments included:

Playground.

Shaded areas Other survey respondents appreciated the shaded areas available in the park and the woods. Comments included:

Shaded areas. The woods.

Seating Some reported enjoying the seating at Hood Park, especially the swing benches. Comments included:

I like the benches near the beach to watch the sunset. The swing benches.

Hockey Rink The hockey rink was also mentioned by survey respondents as something they enjoyed. Comments included:

The roller hockey area. I like that there is a street hockey rink.

Fishing Others appreciate the ability to go fishing at Hood Park. Comments included:

I like the fact you can fish there still. I like that there is a quiet place to fish.

Other Comments Survey respondents shared the following comments that are not represented in the themes listed above. Comments included:

Well maintained. Based on the pictures, it has a lot of potential.

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What do you not like about Hood Park? While survey respondents did share what they liked about Hood Park, they also mentioned some aspects that could use improvement. Out of the 99 survey respondents, 25 people did not respond to this particular survey question. The following survey responses are organized by theme and listed in order of the number of responses received under the theme.

State of the Pond The common complaint about Hood Park was the state of the pond including the smell and water quality. Comments included:

How dirty it is. How can’t swim in the water over there. The water seems a bit yucky due to all the ducks and geese - even though they’re cute! The pond has gotten overgrown. The fact that the water is always contaminated and not usable for human activity- except perhaps boating and bird

watching - which is what I like to do. I don’t like the sand/beach area. The sand is really dirty and rough and gets slimy from the algae that grows. Dirty water/smell.

Perceptions of Unsafe Atmosphere Many of the respondents mentioned feeling unsafe, either seeing or hearing about illicit activities, and the park not being family friendly. Several of those reporting feeling unsafe also mentioned they never go to the park. Comments included:

The basketball courts and adjoining picnic tables have been known to be problem area.

Doesn’t always feel safe. I am afraid to walk alone in the park. Nighttime activities are somewhat rowdy. Noisy cars that

race in and out of the park and up the street. The reputation it has as a drug dealing location.

Neglected Appearance Several respondents commented on the park feeling less vibrant and not as well maintained as it was in the past. Comments included:

Seems a bit abandoned. Parks & rec stopped using it, making area feel less valued. Lack of purpose. That it’s run down, dungy looking. It needs new paint, new

benches, fence perhaps. The scary looking building.

Playgrounds Many survey respondents implied that the playground was not large enough or could use some updating for toddlers. Comments included:

Not big enough play structure/ play area. We wish the playground had more options and was significantly bigger. Swings only for older children. I would like to see swings for toddlers also. I do not like playground. Tried playing with young son not easy to maneuver. I miss different areas of the parks.

Used to be different areas to congregate. I miss the kiddy sand box an area where little kids could have an area with age appropriate fixtures to play. And the older children could hang out around close by.

Litter Some responses mentioned seeing trash and litter. Comments included:

Not clean. Trash cans are nasty. It could be a little cleaner. Sometime there’s a fair amount of trash on the ground.

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Seating Lack of Seating was also a recurring theme within the surveys. Comments included:

Needs more seating areas. Not enough benches. If you want to enjoy the waterfront,

there's no place to sit.

Recreation Infrastructure Another piece of infrastructure that could improvements are some of the recreation areas. Comments included:

The tennis courts are old and need some work.

We noticed that there is an older drinking fountain that we feel should be removed for public safety.

Basketball hoops are old and aren’t even.

Limited Types of Activities The options for activities tended to be geared toward more sports and younger people. Comments included:

It's mostly sports oriented (Tennis/Basketball), of which I am not a participant. Not enough for other non sports visitors. Nothing there for old people.

Lack of Notoriety Several respondents mentioned they were not as familiar with the park or its history. Comments included:

That I did not even know it existed. Lack of info on history of park.

Youth Behavior A few respondents mentioned the behavior of some younger parkgoers negatively affected their experience. Comments included:

Too many kids hanging out. Foul language from younger generation (not always).

Size of Trail Network The small trail network was noted by a few respondents. Comments included:

It is small. There are not that many trails. Not big enough.

Hockey Rink Specific comments were made about the state of the hockey rink. Comments included:

The hockey rink shouldn’t be there because there is more useful alternatives like a greenhouse maybe. The hockey arena. Because that space could be used for more practical things. Crack in street hockey rink.

Landscaping Some respondents mentioned poison ivy and overgrown landscaping impacted their experience. Comments included:

I think overgrown landscaping could be improved. Make the park a more welcoming place from the road. A little more landscaping would be welcomed...but not too much. Poison Ivy. New landscaping done without perspective of little kids in mind.

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What specific elements would you like to see?

Bathrooms Lack of bathroom amenities was included as a drawback to the park. Comments included:

No bathrooms. Facilities including a public restroom are missing.

Lighting The darkness of the park was cited as a concern. Comments included:

More lighting is needed, should be elegant. The lights don’t go on when it’s dark.

Signage Confusing signage was included as an area of improvement. Comments included:

No dogs sign going down around the path by the beach. Could be relocated by beach at bottom of hill.

Accessibility Making the parking lot more accessible was suggested as an opportunity. Comments included:

Could use additional handicap parking. I was there many years ago. This town has grown in population and housing.

Survey respondents were asked to use their imagination and list what they would like to see at the pond. Out of the 99 survey respondents, 21 people did not respond to this particular survey question. The following survey responses are organized by theme and listed in order of the number of responses received under the theme.

Additional Walking Trails Many of the survey respondents suggested expanding the trail network, including around the entire pond. Comments included:

More places to walk around. Better trails that don't end in someone's

back yard. A continued bike path, along parking lot.

Consider what would be a plus for young and old and handicap.

I would like to see the Derry Rail Trail connected with the Londonderry Rail Trail. It is too bad that the trail from Londonderry to Salem is connected except for the stretch between Derry's Hood Park and Londonderry's Route 28.

Walkways or hiking trails that overlook water fountains.

Nature trails (possibly all around the pond).

Improve Hood Pond Water Quality Multiple survey respondents expressed a desire for the pond to return to swimmable conditions. Comments included:

I would like to see swimming return. We used to spend most of our summer at Hood Park until swimming had to be cancelled.

The water to be clean, maybe the pond dredged. I like to see the pond back to healthy. The water cleaned of vegetation.

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Improve the Landscaping Several respondents mentioned sprucing up the existing landscape and maintaining the park. Comments included:

Keep it natural but keep it up a little more... some tidying up would be OK.

Trash barrels, a diaper station with proper trash area, even trash along the trails for dog poop bags & trash.

More trash cans. Especially along trails. Maybe dog poop bag receptacles/waste cans.

Maybe plant some flowers to make it more appealing looking.

I’d love to see the park extend itself past the pond and have some green space added to where the garage burnt down a few years ago.

Get rid of poison ivy. Gardens.

Playground Improvements While the playground was mentioned as an asset, expanding options for younger children was consistently mentioned. Comments included:

Better playground for smaller kids. A bigger, more modern playground. Ideally, with an

area for little kids. Swings for younger children. Maybe a small area for smaller kids to play but not be in

the way of hoops / big kid games. Increase playground equipment.

Increasing Seating Survey respondents noted expanding seating options to enjoy the park would enhance their experience. Comments included:

Places to sit that are spread out and not grouped in one area. Benches and tables to enjoy views of pond. We also need more benches in the parking lot area for those that want to sit there and have a snack or observe the

park or the people. Newer and more numerous benches.

Programs & Events In addition to physical improvements, many desired more Parks & Recreation programming. Comments included:

Kids events hosted there again. Use the basketball courts for town games. It should go back to a community hub in the summer for kids & teens to have a safe & fun place. Craft area. Recreational activities for children and families. Movies, music, crafts. The park (all parks) should offer things for a fee for all age groups and priced according by. Back to what it was. Swim lessons. Arts & crafts.

Water Activity (non-swimming) While some wished to be able to swim in the pond, others wanted to use the pond for boating or fishing activities. Comments included:

Kayaking; fishing. Fishing docks, kayak and paddleboat rentals. Fishing boat rentals. In the summer time, a better, more stable dock.

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Food Options Whether it was a concession stand or public grills, some survey respondents suggested ways to enjoy food. Comments included:

Food options/food trucks. Maybe some grills installed. Concession stand. A two-level function building for all ages with a little food concession stand. Upper level and open lower level to

beach.

Beach Improvements Whether it was in tandem with the urge to swim in the pond or make it easier to fish, some survey respondents expressed a desire to clean up the beach. Comments included:

Beach staffed w/lifeguards. A bigger beach should be in hood park because the beach attracts many people to the park. Perhaps a dock with a place to sit. I think that the beach are could be

cleaned up a bit.

Winter Activity A few survey respondents also wished to make Hood Park a winter destination by having more cold climate activities. Comments included:

In the winter it would be amazing to have an ice skating rink with a place to get hot chocolate.

The pond as an ice rink. Ice skating rink/roller skating rink -

charge a minimal fee. I think making the roller blading rink

into an ice rink would be great in the winter too. If nets could be put on the pond during the winter that would also be really neat.

Gathering Space Either using existing buildings or building new structures for people to host events was mentioned by some survey respondents. Comments included:

Maybe a small pavilion or music venue. A cafe, place to do open mic, safe place. Gazebos. The building should be open for park visitors to use and store equipment and other items. Outdoor theater or music.

Courts Additions to the basketball and hockey courts would improve the recreational experience. Comments included:

2 additional hoops on the basketball courts. A roof over the courts. Better courts. Convert the roller hockey section.

Increased Security In response to feelings of not being safe, some advocated for more surveillance or security measures. Comments included:

Better patrolling of parking lot. I would also feel better knowing there is video surveillance and well-lit areas to prevent drug activity. Cameras throughout the park may help safety.

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Lighting A few survey respondents wished for more lighting at night. Comments included:

More lighting is needed. Should be elegant needs a water feature. Fountain; lighted perhaps a bridge. I would LOVE lights on the tennis courts. There are lights on the basketball courts for night basketball and that

same thing would be great for the tennis courts. Lights on courts based on what time it gets dark.

Splash Pad As a way to attract children, several respondents mentioned a splash pad. Comments include:

Mini splash pad. Anything that makes it a great place to bring children.

Ex. Splash pad.

Art and Aesthetics Making the park more aesthetically pleasing with art was also suggested. Comments include:

Painted items re painted, brighter happier colors. More colors. Art pieces, (from PA students maybe, that could be

rotated).

Bathroom Facilities Adding bathroom facilities was also suggested to improve the visitor experience. Comments included:

Bathroom with running water. Public restroom.

Signage Some survey respondents said making signage clearer was important. Comments included:

A new sign, map of area. Kiosks for the added rail trail. I like the idea of the bike path and wooden sign so the people would be able to find out what activities are allowed

and coming events. Just a small sign in the park, near the buildings.

Pickleball Courts Specifically pickleball courts was mentioned as an enhancement by several survey respondents. Comments included:

Pickleball courts! Good activity for all ages. I would like to see more pickle ball courts added. Pickle ball!

Amenities for Pets Spaces and activities for pets was seen as a way to make the place more family-friendly. Comments included:

Possibly a small fenced doggie obstacle course. Allow dogs to swim in the waters.

Connectivity to Downtown Integrating Hood Park more with the downtown was seen as a way of making the park more of a draw. Comments included:

Feel like part of downtown. Anything that would draw others to the part and eliminate seclusion.

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History Incorporating Hood Park’s history into the landscape was also suggested. Comments included:

Also, perhaps some history/pictures of hood pond and Derry. Fun info around area for people to learn about Derry and Hood Park.

Parking Changing the parking was also suggested by some. Comments included:

Parking needs to be bigger. Safety for cars and people. Guard rails near parking lot. There is a steep slope there.

Other Activities A smattering of responses also included suggestions for game or recreational activities. Comments included:

Chess tables. Could add in a skatepark.

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Posters

There were 19 comments written on posters placed throughout town in locations such as at Cask and Vine, Marion Gerrish Community Center, Derry Public Library, Taylor Library, Town Hall, and at Election Day. Questions on the posters included: “What would you like to see at Hood Park?” and “What is your favorite memory of Hood Park?”. The majority of the comments were written on the poster at Cask and Vine. The following poster comments are organized by theme and listed in order of the number of responses under each theme. The comments are transcribed exactly, including any check marks, emoticons or exclamation points others may have added to the post-it notes.

Gathering Space One of the two top reported elements was some type of gathering space either for entertainment, recreation or education. Comments include:

Musical Stage ✓ and Teen Rec Center Performing Arts Outdoor Theater! Teen Resource Center

Nature Center ✓

Recreation and Swimming Programs Along with gathering spaces, the other top reported thing people would like to see is the return of recreation programs. Comments included:

Recreation programs in the summer! Rec Program Back

Water Activities ❤ Swimming lessons

Walking Trails Several comments mentioned adding or paving walking trails. Comments included:

More Walking Trails ✓ Yes! More wooded walking Trails

Paved Walking Trails �

Food Trucks A couple of comments mentioned having food options at the park. Comments included:

Food Trucks! ✓

Food Carts ✓

Bike Infrastructure A couple comments suggested adding bicycle amenities to the park. Comments included:

Bicycle Pump Track! Bike rentals!

Watercraft Rentals A few comments mentioned being able to rent boats to use on the Pond. Comments included:

Paddleboard Rentals, Kayaks, Rowboats ✓ Kayak Rentals

Community Garden One comment suggested the addition of a community garden space. Comment included:

Community Garden!

Other Recreation Areas One comment referred to another beloved recreation area within Derry. Comment included:

Don Ball Park ❤

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Postcards

17 postcards were returned, which were uploaded to the Hub website for viewing by the public. Postcards were completed by children and adults, who either drew or wrote what they would like to see on a map of the park. Some postcards imagined the park with the pond transformed into a stream, while others expressed wishes for the pond to return to swimmable conditions.

Retail Space The majority of postcards included some type of retail presence, whether it was pop up shops, or small stores located in the filled-in pond. Comments include:

Chain of shops: café, store, local art selling Shops/Cafes on filled in pond Rent out shops (ex. Thrift stores) Art Gallery

Food Options Most of the responses mentioned some way to purchase food, either via food trucks or ice cream trucks during the summer. Comments included:

Ice cream truck (summer) Food truck Café

Garden Many of the postcards included garden spaces. Comments included:

This is a great place for flowers (near wooded area)

Community garden Community green house Butterfly garden Arboretum and Gardens

Stage Area Many of the maps included some form of entertainment space. Comments included:

Stage in filled-in pond Open Theater for Skits and Artists Stage *Not old people music

Skate Park A Skate park either for skateboards, roller skates or ice skating was drawn on several postcards. Comments included:

Skate park! Ice skating rink/roller skates

Water Activity Instead of swimming, many respondents included some form of non-motorized boating activity. Ideas included:

Kayaking Tubing Paddleboat and paddleboard rentals

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Multi-purpose building The existing building at Hood Park was reimagined for many different purposes. Ideas included:

Multi-use building and pavilion Nature Center in building “Teen center” Community Center

Trails Some postcards expressed interest in expanding or improving the trail network. Ideas included:

Clean/widen trail – ID local flora Hiking trail in woods Paved walking trail by the water Trail circling pond out to Folsom along Beaver Brook, with a boardwalk over the brook, with a wood platform in

marsh area for birding

Additional Seating Many of the postcards that reimagined the park with a pond included additional seating options. Ideas included:

A chill pretty place to hang Benches and tables on filled in pond Grass area to have picnics with swinging benches Add benches in wooded area

Adventure Playgrounds Very imaginative postcards included unconventional playgrounds. Ideas included:

Rope course Adventure playground Adventure park hill Treehouse

Build a Bridge Bridges were drawn on postcards that kept the pond or filled it in. Ideas included:

Bridge over pond Bridge with benches Covered bridge on structure on rail trail or dam Covered bridge structure on Dam/Rail Trail like Wasson

Pond one in Chester

Update Courts Respondents either suggested removing current courts, adding in new ones or creating multi-purpose areas. Ideas included:

Tennis/Volleyball court Multi-purpose court Remove basketball courts

Improve Hood Pond Water Quality Some postcards did express wishes for the pond to return to swimmable conditions. Ideas included:

Make Pond Swimmable Scuba Diving Keep pond, dredge it! Bring back swimming

Art Various suggestions for public art for included on some postcards. Ideas included:

Sculptures in filled in pond Art and Nature Resources Wall of quotes

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Educational Activities In addition to a facility, a few postcards mentioned educational programs. Ideas included:

Spot where you can learn science Learn art of how to invent actual things Team building

Sports Field A few postcards included field areas for various sports activities. Ideas included:

Sports Field Soccer area

Fishing Some included infrastructure to aid in fishing. Ideas included:

Fishing dock Fishing

Restrooms A couple of postcards mentioned adding restrooms. Comments included:

Convenience area (restrooms) near trail head Restrooms

Equipment for Small Children Some postcards drew amenities for small children. Ideas included:

Small splash pad near Pond Kid park

Replace Pond with Stream Of the few postcards that reimagined the Park without a Pond, they included a Stream. Comments included:

Leave stream of filled-in pond Fill in pond, leave little river

Improve Bike Path In addition to comments on walking trails, some postcards mentioned improving the bike path. Comments included:

Improve bike loop path to Michell Ave Improve bike path

Pet Area Animals were also mentioned as an attraction some wanted to see. Comments included:

Area to Pet Animals Pet area (day care)

Kickboxing Another recreation idea was to have kickboxing programming. Comments included:

Kickboxing (stress release) A place where you can learn kick boxing related thing

Surrounding Area The atmosphere of the surrounding park was also mentioned. Comments included:

Get rid of industrial businesses – gas place, condos, auto business on end of Horns Pond. On Maple – restaurant with dock looking over pond

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Direct Correspondence

Memories

Community members shared their input and feedback about what they would like to see in a reimagined Hood Park through additional methods, including, e-mail, mail and Facebook comments. The town received seven emails, one letter and 37 Facebook comments.

Many people shared fond memories of enjoying Hood Park in the past. It is evident that Hood Park and Hood Pond are loved by the community. Many reminisced about growing up and visiting the park to swim or partake in activities, while others shared more recent memories of bringing their children down to the beach for swimming lessons. Comments included:

We spent many happy childhood days there. I learned to swim there and so much more. I hope they are able to revitalize it.

Hood Park was an amazing place to grow up. The rec department always got kids involved. Races, talent shows, art projects, parades, swimming lessons.

My kids spent 12 amazing summers and made so many wonderful memories there until they had to close the beach front. I will always be grateful to the parks and rec staff for those summers and for being fun and amazing role models for my children.

We went to all the activities as a kids. My grandma took us almost every day. They had the peanut carnival, we had parades and stuffed animal tea times. We packed lunches and spent all day and did arts and crafts times and took the swim lessons.

My daughters are 16 and 18. We spent nearly every day of the summer there when they were little. We loved the swim lessons and the theme days. I would love to see it an active park once again.

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Ideas for the Future

Many commenters shared ideas for the future. There were many suggestions, ranging from improving the water quality of Hood Pond, to infrastructure updates like pickle ball courts, a skate park, additional benches and walking trails. The comments are organized by theme in order of the number of responses received.

Hood Pond There were many comments regarding Hood Pond, and there were some differing opinions, ranging from improving the water quality for recreation, to reverting the pond to a stream and stocking for fishing, or draining the pond to have bigger fields. The majority of commenters were in favor of improving water quality and managing the geese. Comments included:

If the pond can be maintained as usable for swimming, by all means keep it! If not, let it revert to stream & stock it for fishing.

We could clean up the pond or we could drain the pond and have bigger fields. I fear that the water quality will never support human recreation again. Enhance the pond by dredging it for swimming and boating for continued enjoyment. Bringing back the beach would be nice. Water sports, e.g. canoe rentals could be available. Keep geese away from the water, beach and park areas. I would hope that they could clean the pond somehow. That way they can bring back the swim lessons and

activities. Maybe controlling the geese will help that.

Gardens Community gardens could be available for people who like to grow their own food. I love the idea of an arboretum or, at least a Town Garden or Gardens. Maybe a Memorial COVID Garden or 1st Responder’s Garden, a pollinator patch, a butterfly garden (hope for the

future!). What about lush garden beds, similar to Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth? Water fountains, more bench swings on

the beach, abstract art displays from PA kids? Treat it like a reflection park, like in Chicago.

Seating Have more benches to sit by the pond. Add more wooden benches and tables for picnic

parties. An open fire pit for people to sit around and enjoy. Picnic pavilion painted to look like a milk carton.

Skate Park We could create an amazing skate park. A skate park would be awesome. BUT one of those

bike tracks with hills! Omg amazing!! A pump track! Like a skate park but for boards,

bikes, scooters, blades, skates! Anything with wheels! I think that would be so cool to have in town!

Trails Improve the trails. Put a walking trail around there. A bike path to Derry rail trail can be incorporated.

Art Outdoor theater space, pop-up shops, Art resource center. We can create a place for public art.

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Pickle Ball Courts Pickle ball courts. One suggestion I have is to install more pickle ball courts, pickle ball has become very popular over the years and

sometimes is difficult to get a court down at Alexander car playground.

Basketball Double basketball hoop rims switched to single rims. Maybe make the basketball court smaller and make the park bigger?

Memorial There is one thing I do not want Hood Park to lose and that is Brian's Way or his memorial stone. He gave a lot for

the park and was a strong member of the church and community. Removing the stone or his path would be a tragedy for us all over again for us that knew him were blessed and he will always be missed.

Other Comments Please make it accessible for parents and children not commercial – more geared toward the natural beauty. Place a sign on Broadway giving direction to Hood Pond. I think that we need more inter-generational spaces and especially a place for youth In Derry. Add more bike racks to encourage more people to bike to the park (saving parking spaces and giving great exercise

too!). Add wooden covered waste containers to help keep the park ship shape and match the benches and tables! Keep the swing. Creation of a nature center kind of like the Audubon center in Auburn, where different bird, plant, animal species

can be explored. It would be great if there was a rec program in this area again. I feel like so much concentration has gone into other

parks. Bocce ball pit.

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Next Steps

UNH Cooperative Extension will present the findings described in this report to the Hood Park Steering Committee on Thursday, December 17, 2020. The Hood Park Steering Committee will review the community engagement data gathered through this process and will present the findings and recommendations to the Derry Town Council in January 2021. We look forward to seeing improvements made to Hood Park in the future!

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Appendix

1. Which of the following describes you as a visitor of Hood Park? Please circle one.

Frequent Occasional Rare Have never visited Hood Park

2. Why do you visit Hood Park? 3. What do you like about Hood Park? 4. What do you not like about Hood Park? 5. In a reimagined Hood Park, what specific elements would you like to see? 6. Do you live in Derry? Please circle one.

Yes, adjacent to Hood Park Yes, not adjacent to Hood Park No

7. Select your age. Please circle one. Under 18 18 – 24 25 – 34 35 – 44 45 – 54 55 – 64 65 or older

Key Informant Interview Questions

Survey Questions

1. Do you visit Hood Park? Why or why not? How often? What is your experience like at Hood Park? 2. What do you like about Hood Park? 3. What do you not like about Hood Park? 4. What opportunities do you see to improve Hood Park? In a reimagined Hood Park, what specific elements would you like to see? Other notes or comments:

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Postcard

Flier

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The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer. UNH, U.S.Dept. of Agriculture and New Hampshire counties cooperating.

More Information:

Casey Porter Community and Economic Development Program Manager UNH Cooperative Extension Casey.Porter@unh.edu

Stephen Meno Community and Economic Development Field Specialist UNH Cooperative Extension Stephen.Meno@unh.edu

Elizabeth Robidoux Planning & Economic Development Assistant Town of Derry 14 Manning Street Derry, NH 03038 elizabethrobidoux@derrynh.org 603-845-5478

Taken by Karen Munday Lincoln